West Marine is closing stores: See a full list of doomed boating supply locations that will shutter in 23 states

West Marine, a major boating and marine supply retailer that has been operating since 1968, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. While the bankruptcy will allow the company to continue operating during its restructuring, West Marine has confirmed in court documents that it will close 59 locations as part of the process. Here’s what you need to know about West Marine’s bankruptcy and which stores are closing. What’s happened? On May 17, West Marine, Inc. announced it had filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. West Marine began its life as a rope supply store in California in 1968, but in the 58 years since then, the company expanded to more than 200 locations across the country, becoming the nation’s largest retailer of boating, fishing, and other marine supplies. As of the time of its bankruptcy filing, West Marine operated in 34 states and Puerto Rico. Unfortunately for fans of the chain and many of its employees, as part of West Marine’s bankruptcy, the chain has confirmed that it will be closing more than a quarter of its existing 200 locations. Why is West Marine filing for bankruptcy? In a press release announcing the bankruptcy, West Marine cited several reasons for its Chapter 11 filing. These reasons include “supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, and shifts in consumer behavior,” according to the company. For many of West Marine’s customers, boating and fishing are recreational activities, and when inflationary pressures and economic worries abound, as they currently do, many people choose to cut back on their discretionary spending, with spending on recreational activities and non-essentials, like eating out, often the first to go. Given this, it’s little surprise West Marine cited “shifts in consumer behavior.” Is West Marine going out of business? No. It’s important to stress that West Marine is not going out of business. The company has entere